Con-Pearl to make recycled plastic board in S. Carolina

By: Bill Bregar

September 14, 2012

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Sept. 14, 1:35 p.m. ET) — A German company that makes board, sheet and textiles out of recycled plastics is opening its first North American factory in Greenville, investing $14.3 million in Con-Pearl North America.

Con-Pearl North America is a subsidiary of Friedola-Tech GmbH of Geismar, Germany. The company is renovating part of an existing industrial building. The investment is expected to generate 51 jobs over the next five years, according to the Greenville Area Development Corp.

Friedola-Tech, which has its own recycling operation, makes lightweight boards, artificial leather, floor coverings, internal liners and injection molded parts. The company’s major markets are packaging and automotive. Con-Pearl boards are made from polypropylene.

Production should begin in Greenville in October. Economic development officials announced the new plant Sept. 14. The company will begin hiring immediately.

Stefan Hoedt, business development director for Con-Pearl North America, said in a prepared statement that South Carolina “offers us an exceptional business environment and great access to markets in the U.S.”

Officials of Con-Pearl North America and Friedola-Tech were not available for additional comment.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $150,000 grant for work on the building.